Victoria - DS

Victoria (65 Pounds Lost)

Biography:I am 48 years old. I live in Surprise, AZ with my husband of 13 years and our 10 year old daughter. About 4 years ago I started on a journey to lose weight. Over this time I have learned a lot about myself and how I am a product of my emotions and surroundings.

A few specifics about myself:

·I am a binge eater. I particularly have issues with carbohydrates. If I control my carbohydrate intake I am much more successful with my binge eating. As much as I love certain carbohydrates, such as potatoes and bread, I have to significantly limit my intake of them not only in order to lose weight but also to maintain that loss. In addition, I have a very large appetite and can put away an extremely large portion of food in one sitting. Because of this I have had to learn portion control and that I CAN satisfy my hunger with smaller amounts of food. NOW … that is not to say I will pass up any chance to eat a 16 ounce piece of filet mignon! I will however, have to pass on the loaded baked potato.

·I am a competitor. I actually enjoy running. However, I will have to clarify this with the fact that I am presently what I describe would describe as a “wogger”. I actually walk/run. My average present pace is 12:30min/mile. I am working on transitioning myself to be more of a runner. My goal is to run the entire length of a local 5K on New Year’s day. I enjoy participating in events in which I am competing first with myself (trying to beat my previous time) as well as with others... particularly my sister, Valerie!

·I love sharing what I learn with others. I am a nurse by education so I think in my core it is truly part of who I am. I want to help other get better in all that they do.

As I mentioned I have an issue with binge eating. Once I got the weight off I thought I would be able to indulge in those items I had given up eating for over a year… such as donuts, pizza, hamburgers … and potatoes! Since I was so active with the different events I was participating in the weight did not initially start coming back on. However, in the summer of 2012 I developed a severe case of plantar fasciitis followed by a 2 month bout of tennis elbow. My running and lifting were significantly limited during this time. I began decreasing my time in the gym… and the weight slowing began creeping back on. I had several changes occur in my life… job, school, a change of address (we sold our home of 8 years and moved into a rental). By December of 2013 I was back up to 185 pounds. I decided enough was enough. I missed wearing my smaller clothes as well as being able to effectively participate in the events that I enjoy, such as 5K runs and sprint triathlons.

2014 has been a year of ups and downs so far. I started the year off right. I was following a keto-adaptive diet and managed to lose about 25 pounds. Life interfered again and 20 of those pounds have crept back on. However, I am like an Energizer bunny… I just keep trying! I am re-establishing my exercise routine as well as starting to head back into the keto-adaptive lifestyle. I am looking forward to going back East next May to participate with this team in this awesome event.